ABSTRACT
The bearing capacity of asphalt pavements is highly influenced by the modulus of the asphalt layers, which is a function of the temperature observed in depth. The temperature dependency of each layer is also influenced by the composition of the asphalt mix.
The impact of the climatic conditions is usually considered in national pavement design guidelines by the application of the equivalent temperature. This approach however may lead to incorrect pavement designs due to its simplistic nature and cannot consider the local climatic variations.
The modulus of each asphalt layer can be modelled only if the temperature in depth is known or correctly predicted. The research work presented in this paper provides a methodology for predicting in depth pavement temperatures by using ambient and surface temperatures. These input values can be obtained at a higher frequency and at lower capital investment compared to in depth pavement temperatures.
The methodology has been validated based on long-term data collected at various depths in a full depth asphalt pavement in Budapest region. The methodology provides valuable input into mechanistic pavement design, where the performance of innovative materials can be considered. With this approach real performance prediction is enabled, which would not be possible with the simplistic method of the equivalent temperature…
